Lost in Obedience

This morning I was reading part of Nehemiah's account of the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.  What a man of courage and determination!  What if all of God's people were obedient to the point of Nehemiah's obedience?  What if we all just got lost in obedience to Him?  I think about great men and women like Moses, Abraham, Paul, John...well, actually all of the disciples, and so many others.  Accounts we get the pleasure of reading in the Bible still today. Then there are modern day versions like Mother Teresa and the countless others serving our world today as missionaries.  The obedience required in each of their lives speaks volumes. 

In Nehemiah 9, the people were finished with rebuilding the wall. They stood in place for 3 hours while the book of the law was read, and then 3 additional hours they stood as they confessed their sins and worshiped God.  After 6 HOURs they were still praying!  6 hours and still going...sounds like "Get Out of the Shade" Summer Camp from 5 or 6 years ago, but that's a story for another post.  They began recounting the greatness of God...of His great mercy and unfailing love.  At this time they offered up a simple petition to God not to forget them and their suffering.  Not 30 minutes of reading or praying in my comfy chair, but after 6 hours on their feet, they offered a simple prayer to God.  Amazing to me!  

If each of us were honest, we'd say we have trouble focusing on God for more than mere minutes some days.  At times we complain about having to get up for church or mumble about going to work or having to drive somewhere.  Times when, instead, we should be singing praise to God for the amazing privileges we have...privileges of His unfailing love and great mercy.  How incredibly blessed we are.  Every day, we should wake up with a song of joy on our lips and a heart of obedience to just say "Yes Sir, God.  Yes Sir."  Lord, make me more like Nehemiah.  Lost in obedience regardless of the cost.  With that, I'll just focus on saying "Yes Sir" today.

2010... (continued)

I've really thought about my previous post regarding my "resolutions".  Since I just don't like that word, I'm gonna call them "targets".  Here are my targets for 2010...

1. Read more (aiming for 12 (beginning to end) books this year - seems small but really it isn't for me).
2. Complain less.
3. Think BEFORE I speak.  Encourage rather than discourage.
4. Write from my heart and publish something this year.
5. Love like there's no tomorrow.
6. Be the person God created me to be.
7. Learn, learn, LEARN!
8. Seek Jesus with every single thing within me.  (Less of me, more of Him!)

I don't think I really want to change anything on this list other than shuffle it a bit.  By pursuing some of these it will make me a better mom and wife, while others will simply help me grow toward my God given purpose.  I think simple is better so 8 is plenty enough!

2010...

Thinking about my new year's resolution.  2010.  Hmmmm....what will it be?

As I think back 10 years, we were contemplating Y2K.  How funny is that?  "All computers are just going to stop working.  It's going to be chaos!"  I remember people saying "You better make sure you stock up on can goods."  Wow, were we panicking about nothing.  Our biggest fear should have been those boys living across the street with the arsenal of fire works.  Now, that was something to be afraid of!!

Fast forward 10 years.  It's hard to believe we are on the edge of 2010.  In 1999 that was such a foreign thought.  I could not even wrap my mind around the thought of living in the year 2010, and here we are.  What will this year hold?    

Now, back to the important stuff, 2010 resolutions.  What will it be?  Any thoughts on yours yet?


UPDATE:  I just read Carole Turner's post on resolutions....I think I'll just take some of her list!  I love to read and write.  Running after Jesus with everything I have in me sounds great too.  Looks like a pretty good fit.  Guess I'll have to think about it some more...   


For now, here's my short list...
Read more.
Complain less.
Think BEFORE I speak.
Write from my heart.
Publish something.
Love like there's no tomorrow.
Encourage rather than discourage.
Be the person God created me to be.
Learn, learn, learn.
Seek Jesus with everything in me.
Less of me, more of Him!

Sweet Traditions, part 2

Candy Day 2009.  Pictures from today...

(notice my nephew's excellent sprinkle skills)      (and Micki worked really hard today too)

Sweet Traditions

Tomorrow morning, we continue a tradition in our family that's going to continue for generations (if my sister and I have our way...we're pretty bossy, so I'm quite certain it will happen).  We will gather together to make Christmas candy.  Nothing but the good stuff! 

We make oatmeal no-bakes, fudge, pretzels covered in white chocolate, ritz crackers with peanut butter covered in white chocolate, mini pecan pies, pralines, chocolate crackles, peanut butter blossoms, and the piece de' resistance: peanut butter balls (I just learned last night they are also known as Buckeyes).  I think I missed a few things...I'll remember later I'm sure.

Actually the best thing we make throughout the day are memories.  Memories we never run out of, always enjoy sharing, and most of all, can cherish for a lifetime.  Let the fun begin!

(Here's a pic of mom and my sister getting started last year.  I'll post some pictures of tomorrow when I get home).

Do you have a Christmas Tradition in your family?   

Clickers

Ever have one of those times when you hope no one is looking only to realize it's too late? Someone spotted you, and now you've made a complete fool out of yourself. Tonight I ran out of Wal-Mart with my arms full, barely holding the umbrella with one hand and the clicker for the car in the other hand. As I very approached the car, I clicked and then pulled the handle of the car. Nothing. I click a couple more times as the cold rain splashes me about to drop the milk, wiper blades and Double Stuffed OREOs I'm juggling... which by the way have less "stuff" in the middle than they used to.  That's gonna have to wait for another day. Pulling the handle, I try again.  Still nothing. 


As I glance to the left, I realize my car lights don't stick out like that... oh, wait, this isn't my car! And you would know tonight, I got a second from the front row parking spot. "Up close and personal" as I like to call it.  Security probably uploaded the surveillance video on YouTube already and emailed it to everyone they know!


Life can be just like that surveillance video. Our mishaps and blunders on display for the world to see.  So glad God isn't like that keeping a laundry list of every thing I've done wrong to rub it in my face.  Tonight I learned two valuable lessons:

1. Make sure you point your clicker at your own car
2. Know what your own car looks like

Now that's profound wisdom there!  You might want to write that down.

Rare Jewels

Tonight I discovered a rare jewel from my past.  It's a book we were given on our Senior Retreat.  Each year, every class would go on a retreat around Thanksgiving, but the one you waited for was your Senior year.  It was an over night trip, and everyone seemed to come back energized, ready to conquer the world! As a prodigal slipping and sliding her way through the mud, this would be one of those years God showed up, but I didn't take His offer.


As I thumb through it, I find lyrics from songs like "We Are The World", "Lean On Me", and "Hello".  Some oldies!  The theme song to Cheers and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" both made the cut too, but my all time favorite has to be "We Are The Reason".  I thought I'd share it below since it might be fitting during this time of year, and because, well... I absolutely love this song!  As my friend Jan would say:  Enjoy!!  

We Are The Reason

As little children, we would dream of Christmas morn

And all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find

But we never realized, a baby born one blessed night

Gave us the greatest gift of our lives.

Chorus:

We were the reason that He gave His life.

We were the reason that He suffered and died,

In a world that was lost, He gave all He could give

To show us the  reason to live.

As the years went by, we learned more about gifts 

Giving of ourselves and what that means

On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain,

Because of love, because of love.

Chorus

I finally found the reason for living,

It's in giving every part of my heart to Him.

In all that I do, every word that I say,

I'll be giving my all just for Him, just for Him...

Chorus

Your turn.  What's your favorite Christmas song?  

What is your idea of reaching out to others at Christmas?

The closer we get, the madder the rush will be.  People frantically shopping for the perfect gift.  Sales Associates dealing with unhappy shoppers.  Unhappy shoppers becoming desperate and often times depressed.  And everything in between.

Why not spread a little cheer by intentionally smiling at people this Christmas?  It's a free gift.  You don't have to be a smile stalker or chase them down.  Just a normal smile will do.  Be intentional and watch for the reactions.  I'm certain they will be priceless and bring a smile to your own face.  You might be surprised what happens.

Smile at 3 people today for no real reason.  Are you up for the challenge?